Bike rack trailer for transporting bicycles or other cargo

ABSTRACT

The present invention contemplates an apparatus for, and methods of, conveniently transporting cargo by holding cargo securely in a way using a transport apparatus that can be coupled to a vehicle, for easy and convenient transport of the cargo. The invention contemplates a transport apparatus that is capable of horizontal, vertical, telescoping, and/or rotational collapse and/or expansion. The invention contemplates wheels on a collapsed transport apparatus that make moving from place to place very convenient, whether the transport apparatus is expanded or collapsed. Embodiments can be used to secure and transport cargo such as bicycles. Embodiments of the invention allow coupling of a transport apparatus to a vehicle by use of a standard ball joint and/or trailer hitch. Other embodiments could comprise a trailer connection attachment, which can be used to couple a transport apparatus to a vehicle in cases where the vehicle lacks its own trailer hitch.

The present nonprovisional application claims priority from PCTInternational Application number PCT/IB2019/056551, filed on Jul. 31,2019 and claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.62/713,036, filed on Aug. 1, 2018.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for, and methods of,holding cargo securely in a way that allows for coupling to a vehiclefor easy and convenient transport of the cargo. Embodiments of theinvention can be used to secure and transport cargo such as bicycles bysecuring the apparatus to a vehicle such as a car or truck, and securingone or more bicycles to the apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Several devices presently exist for attaching bicycles to motorvehicles. What many such devices lack, however, are cargo-holdingcomponents attached to a frame that is adapted for collapse, allowingconvenient storage of the device when it is not being used.Additionally, many such devices lack adaptations such as wheels whichwould allow the devices to be easily moved from place to place, and/orwhich could allow the device to bear weight of both itself and its cargoon the ground rather than placing the full strain of their weight on anattached vehicle.

As such, it can be substantially convenient to have a device capable oftransporting cargo such as bicycles from place to place by beingreversibly attached to a vehicle such as a car or truck, where thecargo-holding components of this device are mounted on a frame that iscapable of physical expansion and collapse, and where the devicecomprises wheels which allow it to be moved easily when collapsed andnot in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the invention comprises apparatuses for and methodsof securely holding and transporting cargo such as bicycles while beingattached to vehicles such as cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles.

Advantages of the present invention might include the use of acollapsible and/or expandable frame, which makes a device's functionalcomponents available for use in an expanded configuration, and whichalso allows the device to be collapsed into a compact, collapsedconfiguration when not in use.

Another advantage of the present invention might include the use ofwheel components of an apparatus, which can allow the apparatus to rollalong the ground while being pushed or pulled by a vehicle or by aperson. When being pulled by a vehicle, these wheel components allow theground to help support the weight of the apparatus and of cargo beingtransported. When being pulled by a person, these wheel components allowthe apparatus to be conveniently moved from place to place withouthaving to be lifted and carried.

Additional advantages of the present invention include features of atransport apparatus which allow reversible attachment to a vehicle,which can greatly facilitate convenient transport of cargo. One exampleof such features could include a hitching element, such as a standardball joint, for attaching to a trailer hitch on a vehicle. Otherexamples of such features could include a trailer connection attachment,which can be secured to the transport apparatus on one end and a vehicleon the other end; elements of this trailer connection attachment mightinclude extensions such as straps which are adapted to be placed in anopen door, rear hatch, or trunk of a vehicle, and which are secured byclosing the door, rear hatch or trunk. A trailer connection attachmentcan be used in cases where a vehicle does not have its own trailerhitch.

The embodiments and descriptions disclosed in this specification arecontemplated as being usable separately, and/or in combination with oneanother.

In some embodiments, a transport apparatus comprises one or more cargoholding beams.

In some embodiments, one or more cargo holding beams are collapsibleand/or expandable.

In some embodiments, one or more cargo holding beams have a telescopedconstruction which allows them to be shortened and/or lengthened.

In some embodiments, the cargo holding beams are adapted to interfacewith one or more cargo securing units.

In some embodiments, the cargo securing units comprise one or moreslidable elements which can be placed on and/or removed from the cargoholding beams.

In some embodiments, the slidable elements comprise one or more upperspace holders, which are adapted to secure cargo in between an innersurface of the upper space holder and an outer surface of a cargoholding beam.

In some embodiments, the one or more upper space holders comprise an arcshape.

In some embodiments, the slidable elements comprise strap holders, whichin turn comprise strap elements which are securable around cargo.

In some embodiments, a transport apparatus is adapted for collapsinginto a smaller size and expanding into a larger size.

In some embodiments, collapsing and expanding the transport apparatus isaccomplished with one or more telescoping horizontal elements.

In some embodiments, collapsing and expanding the transport apparatus isaccomplished with one or more telescoping vertical elements.

In some embodiments, one or more telescoping vertical elements cancomprise hollow sections which are adapted to hold one or more cargoholding beams after said cargo holding beams have been rotated into avertical position.

In some embodiments, one or more cargo holding beams can be rotatedbetween a horizontal position and a vertical position.

In some embodiments, a hinge connects one or more cargo holding beams toa telescoping vertical element.

In some embodiments, one or more telescoping vertical elements cancomprise an upper telescoping element which is adapted to slide into andout of a lower telescoping element.

In some embodiments, a hollow section in said upper telescoping elementis adapted to contain one or more cargo support beams, and a hollowsection in said lower telescoping element is adapted to contain both theupper telescoping element and one or more cargo support beams which havebeen positioned within the upper telescoping element.

In some embodiments, a transport apparatus can be collapsed and/orexpanded by rotation of horizontal elements and/or vertical elementsbetween perpendicular configurations and parallel configurations.

In some embodiments, the transport apparatus comprises one or morelocking mechanisms, which are adapted to retain the transport apparatusin an expanded configuration and/or in a collapsed configuration.

In some embodiments, the transport apparatus comprises wheels.

In some embodiments, the wheels can be positioned to allow rolling whensaid transport apparatus is in an expanded and/or a collapsedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the wheels are adapted to be removable and/orseparable from the transport apparatus.

In some embodiments, a transport apparatus comprises a hitching element.

In some embodiments, the hitching element comprises a standard balljoint.

In some embodiments, a trailer connection attachment is adapted toconnect a transport apparatus to a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the trailer connection attachment comprisesextensions and a hitching element.

In some embodiments, the extensions of the trailer connection attachmentcomprise straps, strings or cords.

In some embodiments, the extensions on the trailer connection attachmentare adapted to fit into an open vehicle door and/or trunk, and areadapted to be held in place when the vehicle door and/or trunk areclosed.

In some embodiments, the extensions on the trailer connection attachmentcomprise edge adaptations that are adapted to surround, or to otherwisebe secured to, edges of a vehicle door and/or trunk.

In some embodiments, the edge adaptations comprise end hooks.

In some embodiments, the trailer connection attachment comprises abumper interfacing element which is adapted to interface with a vehiclebumper.

In some embodiments, the trailer connection attachment comprises abumper hook which is adapted to interface with a bottom section of avehicle bumper.

A method embodiment of the present invention configures a transportapparatus into a collapsed configuration, comprising the steps of:rotating one or more cargo holding beams into an orientation which isparallel to one or more beam-holding elements; and sliding one or morecargo holding beams into a hollow section of one or more beam-holdingelements.

Some method embodiments comprise the additional step of: collapsing aframe of a transport apparatus by sliding one or more frame elementspast each other.

Some method embodiments comprise the additional step of: collapsing aframe of a transport apparatus by rotating one or more frame elements.

In some method embodiments, beam-holding elements and frame elements areoriented in perpendicular directions with respect to each other.

In some method embodiments, beam-holding elements and frame elements areoriented in parallel directions with respect to each other.

In some method embodiments, beam-holding elements are collapsiblethrough use of a telescoping mechanism.

An additional method embodiment of the present invention secures atrailer connection attachment to a vehicle, comprising the steps of:partially inserting strap components of a trailer connection attachmentinto a vehicle opening; and closing the vehicle opening.

In some method embodiments, the strap components comprise end hookswhich are adapted to interface with edges of a vehicle door, hatch,and/or trunk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show embodiments of the invention which are adapted tosecurely hold multiple bicycles.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention which is coupled to a backsection of a vehicle.

FIGS. 3A through 3F show an embodiment of the invention and depict howthe invention can be shortened and collapsed.

FIGS. 3G through 3J show an embodiment in which strap holder units areusable to secure cargo.

FIGS. 4A through 4E show how the invention can be rotationallycollapsed.

FIGS. 5A through 5C show the invention in a fully collapsedconfiguration, in which it can be conveniently rolled and stored.

FIGS. 6A through 6C show a trailer connection attachment, which cancouple a transport apparatus to a vehicle in situations where thevehicle does not have its own trailer hitch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description of the invention refers to theaccompanying figures. The description and drawings do not limit theinvention; they are meant only to be illustrative of exampleembodiments. Other embodiments are also contemplated without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shownand disclosed.

FIG. 1A shows an example embodiment of the invention, which comprises adevice that is adapted to hold four bicycles. In this view, the deviceis in an expanded configuration, and is holding two bicycles.

FIG. 1B shows another example embodiment of the invention, whichcomprises a device that is adapted to hold eight bicycles. In this view,the device is in an expanded configuration, and is holding eightbicycles. Also in this view, the device has been coupled to a trailerconnection attachment, which in turn is attached to the back of avehicle.

FIG. 2 shows the device from FIG. 1B with the eight bicycles removed,allowing visibility of components of a transport apparatus 10. Theseelements include front stanchions 15, rear stanchions 17, left wheel 21,right wheel 22, right telescoping member 30, middle telescoping member33, left telescoping member 35, right rear telescoping member 40, leftrear telescoping member 45, left front telescoping member 50, rightfront telescoping member 55, restraining locks 41 and 46, and a hitchingelement 80 which can comprise a standard ball joint. Also in this view,the device is coupled to a trailer connection attachment 200, which inturn is coupled to a vehicle 300.

FIG. 3A shows the device from FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 in an expandedconfiguration. In this view, arrows indicate the direction in which thedevice can be partially collapsed through telescoping action.

FIG. 3B shows the device from FIGS. 1B, 2, and 3A in a partiallycollapsed configuration. In this view, arrows indicate the direction inwhich the device can be further collapsed through telescoping action.

FIG. 3C shows the device from FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B in a furthercollapsed configuration. Note that in this view, front and rearstanchions 15 and 17 have been rendered invisible in order to providemore convenient viewing of some of the device's other components. Thisview provides easy visibility of hitching element 80, as well as a frontpivot joint 82 and rear pivot joint 84, where these pivot joints cancomprise hinges that allow rotational collapse of the device. The devicecomprises upper vertical elements 71 and 72, which are movable throughtelescoping action into and out of lower vertical elements 73 and 74.Also, upper vertical elements 71 and 72 comprise hollow sections whichare adapted to accommodate front and rear stanchions 15 and 17, as willbe shown in subsequent figures.

FIG. 3D shows the device from FIGS. 1B, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C in avertically collapsed configuration. In this view, upper verticalelements 71 and 72, as well as front and rear stanchions 15 and 17 whichhave been rotated and contained within the upper vertical elements 71and 72 (see FIG. 3E), have been slid into empty sections of lowervertical elements 73 and 74.

FIG. 3E shows a zoomed-in view of the device which depicts empty spaces67 and 68, into which front and rear stanchions 15 and 17 can be rotatedand positioned, after which upper vertical elements 71 and 72 can betelescopically moved into lower vertical elements 73 and 74 (seeprevious figures).

FIG. 3F shows a zoomed-in view of the device which depicts space holders61 which, in this embodiment, comprise two holes apiece, and which canbe slid in both directions along cargo support element 62. (Note thatthe space holders 61 depicted in this embodiment comprise an arc shape,allowing them to surround cargo on multiple sides.) Cargo such asbicycles can be secured to the device by placing an upper space holderaround a top surface of the cargo, sliding cargo support element 62through one hole of space holder 61, sliding cargo support element 62under a bottom surface of the cargo, and finally sliding cargo supportelement 62 through another hole in space holder 62. In this way, thecargo ends up with its bottom surface hanging on cargo support element62, and its top surface and side surfaces surrounded by space holder 61.Examples of cargo which can be secured in this manner include bicycleframes, or sections of bicycle wheels. Also in this view, a directionalarrow 63 shows a direction in which cargo support element 62 can beshortened by using a telescoping mechanism.

FIGS. 3G, 3H, 3I and 3J depict a strap holder unit 66, which can be usedin place of one or more space holders 61 in order to secure cargo to thetransport apparatus.

FIG. 3G shows a strap holder unit 66, which comprises a flexible strap510, a strap retaining member 515, a locking lever 505, and an emptyspace 550 into which a cargo support element 62 (not shown) can beinserted and removed. This allows one or more strap holder units 66 tobe slid onto, and off of, a cargo support element 62.

FIG. 3H shows strap holder unit 66, where flexible strap 510 has beenpositioned over a cargo space 506 and where flexible strap 510 is beingheld in place by a clasp 540. The cargo space 506, which is surroundedafter the flexible strap 510 has been closed, is adapted to securelyhold cargo such as bicycle frames or sections of bicycle wheels.

FIG. 3I shows a rear perspective view of strap holder unit 66, where astrap origin 530 is visible in the foreground and clasp 540 is nowpartially visible on an opposite side. Directional arrow 525 shows howlocking lever 505 can be rotated into a locked configuration, whichsecures strap holder unit 66 in a particular longitudinal position alongcargo support element 62 (not shown).

FIG. 3J shows a cargo support element 62 on the transport apparatus 10.This view depicts four bicycles 99, which have been secured by usingfour strap holder elements 66.

FIG. 4A shows a rear view of transport apparatus 10. In this view, thetransport apparatus has been collapsed as shown in FIGS. 3A through 3D.Additionally, the transport apparatus 10 is adapted to collapse throughrotation of left half 91 into a position which is parallel to verticaltelescoping element 90, as well as simultaneous rotation of left wheel21 which causes left wheel 21 to end up parallel to vertical telescopingelement 90. In this view, arrow 93 represents a direction in which lefthalf 91 is rotated, and arrow 95 represents a direction in which leftwheel 21 is rotated.

FIG. 4B shows a rear view of transport apparatus 10, where left half 91and left wheel 21 have both been rotated in order to be parallel tovertical telescoping element 90. Arrow 93 represents the direction inwhich left half 91 has been rotated, and arrow 95 represents thedirection in which left wheel 21 has been rotated. Here, right half 92and right wheel 22 can be rotated (in similar fashion to left half 91and left wheel 91) in order to end up parallel to vertical telescopingelement 90.

FIG. 4C shows a rear view of transport apparatus 10, where left half 91,left wheel 21, right half 92, and right wheel 22 have been rotated to beparallel to vertical telescoping element 90, and the transport apparatus10 is now in a rotationally collapsed configuration.

FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of the transport apparatus 10, which,as shown in FIG. 4C, has been configured into a rotationally collapsedconfiguration. Here, the transport apparatus 10 is adapted for furtherrotational collapse through rotation of hitching element 80 and hitchingbeam 89, as shown in subsequent figures.

FIG. 4E shows a perspective view of the transport apparatus 10, withleft wheel 21 and right wheel 22 having been removed to enhancevisibility of other features. Visible in this view are a rotating pivotjoint 112, which is adapted to allow rotation of the left wheel 21between parallel and perpendicular positions, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4Band 4C. Note that a similar rotating pivot joint (not shown in thisview) on a right side of the transport apparatus will serve a similarfunction, allowing rotation of right wheel 22. This view also depictshow hitching beam 89 and its corresponding hitching element 80 have beenrotated about a hitching hinge 114, as shown by directional arrow 115,placing the transport apparatus into a further rotationally collapsedconfiguration.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the transport apparatus 10 from FIG.4E, after having been fully collapsed and with its left wheel 21 andright wheel 22 reattached.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of the transport apparatus 10 after havingbeen fully collapsed. This view depicts ground 124 and an optional tophandle 122. In this configuration, the transport apparatus is capable ofbeing pulled, pushed and/or rolled along the ground 124 as shown bydirectional arrow 123.

FIG. 5C shows a view of the transport apparatus 10 after having beenfully collapsed and placed in a container 230. Examples of containersthat the transport apparatus 10 can be placed into after collapseinclude, without limitation, boxes, storage units, vehicle rear seatingareas, and vehicle trunks.

FIG. 6A shows a view of the trailer connection attachment 200 from FIG.2, and depicts a ball tongue 210, a ball 205 which is adapted tointerface with a standard ball hitch, a bumper interfacing element 216which is adapted to interface with a vehicle bumper, and a bumper hook218 (shown in subsequent figures) which is adapted to interface with abottom section of a vehicle bumper. This view also depicts straps 212which can be positioned partially inside a vehicle opening such as anopen car door, open car trunk, open sport utility vehicle (SUV) rearhatch, and so on. The straps 212 might comprise ends which comprisehooked elements 213. The straps 212 can be secured by closing thevehicle opening after partially inserting the straps 212, and/or canalso be secured by positioning the hooked elements 213 on edges of avehicle door, hatch, or trunk before closing it.

FIG. 6B shows a side view of the trailer connection attachment 200, anddepicts side views of ball 205, ball tongue 210, bumper interfacingelement 216, and bumper hook 218.

FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of the trailer connection attachment200, showing a bumper interfacing element 216 and a bumper hook 218.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transport apparatus which is adapted forcollapsing into a smaller size and expanding into a larger size.
 2. Atransport apparatus as in claim 1, wherein collapsing and expanding thetransport apparatus is accomplished with one or more telescopinghorizontal elements.
 3. A transport apparatus as in claim 1, whereincollapsing and expanding the transport apparatus is accomplished withone or more telescoping vertical elements.
 4. A transport apparatus asin claim 1, wherein one or more telescoping vertical elements cancomprise hollow sections which are adapted to hold one or more cargoholding beams after said cargo holding beams have been rotated into avertical position.
 5. A transport apparatus as in claim 1, wherein oneor more cargo holding beams can be rotated between a horizontal positionand a vertical position.
 6. A transport apparatus as in claim 1, whereina hinge connects one or more cargo holding beams to a telescopingvertical element.
 7. A transport apparatus as in claim 1, wherein one ormore telescoping vertical elements can comprise an upper telescopingelement which is adapted to slide into and out of a lower telescopingelement.
 8. A transport apparatus as in claim 7, wherein a hollowsection in said upper telescoping element is adapted to contain one ormore cargo support beams, and a hollow section in said lower telescopingelement is adapted to contain both the upper telescoping element and oneor more cargo support beams which have been positioned within the uppertelescoping element.
 9. A transport apparatus which comprises a hitchingelement.
 10. A transport apparatus as in claim 9, wherein the hitchingelement comprises a standard ball joint.
 11. A transport apparatus as inclaim 9, wherein a trailer connection attachment is adapted to connect atransport apparatus to a vehicle.
 12. A transport apparatus as in claim11, wherein the trailer connection attachment comprises extensions and ahitching element.
 13. A transport apparatus as in claim 12, wherein theextensions of the trailer connection attachment comprise straps, stringsor cords.
 14. A transport apparatus as in claim 12, wherein theextensions on the trailer connection attachment are adapted to fit intoan open vehicle door and/or trunk, and are adapted to be held in placewhen the vehicle door and/or trunk are closed.
 15. A transport apparatusas in claim 12, wherein the extensions on the trailer connectionattachment comprise edge adaptations that are adapted to surround, or tootherwise be secured to, edges of a vehicle door and/or trunk.
 16. Atransport apparatus as in claim 15, wherein the edge adaptationscomprise end hooks.
 17. A transport apparatus as in claim 11, whereinthe trailer connection attachment comprises a bumper interfacing elementwhich is adapted to interface with a vehicle bumper.
 18. A transportapparatus as in claim 11, wherein the trailer connection attachmentcomprises a bumper hook which is adapted to interface with a bottomsection of a vehicle bumper.